after 20 hours of negotiations in egypt, secretary of state hillary clinton called the cease-fire the first step in a long process. >> now we have to focus on reaching a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security, dignity and legitimate aspirations of palestinians and israelis alike. >> reporter: hamas leader responded. after 24 hours, meeting tomorrow at 9 p.m. local cairo time, we'll begin to explore how to carry out the demands of the palestinian people, so that, god willing, the killing and aggression over gaza ends. >> if the missiles stop, it will be over, we hope. >> reporter: he remains cautiously optimistic about how long the cease-fire will actually last. hamas still has rockets and missiles. >> if they still have them, they might choose to use them. >> reporter: just this year, the u.s. has given over $3 billion to them. >> america is investing and maintaining the peace in the region and also the american interests in the region. >> reporter: now, the u.s. has given money, albeit much less, about $200 million to the palestinians, but that mon